March 03, 2005
A special day
The prosecutor, the director of Little Birch Tree orphanage, Natasha, John and I all crowded into a small room with the judge and her assistant. She told us to stand and state our names. She asked who would speak for us, I said I would. I had prepared for her questions. My stomach was in knots. I tried to smile and relax, like this is something I do every day. Would we be able to take care of the little child? How does our son Austin feel about this? Everyone in the room had a chance to speak to the judge about us. The director made a very strong case for us. The prosecutor agreed.
The judge sent us out of the room for a few minutes while she made her decision. In the hallway, we talked about what we said, and what we didn't say or should have said. They called us back in. The judge would read her verdict while we all stood before her.
The city of Kiev in Ukraine declared us the new parents of Tara Vika Lessnau. It's official, she's ours. We are very happy.
But...she did not waive the 30 days. So one of us will come back to pick her up.
We went to the U.S. Embassy and took care of some of the paperwork. It felt good to be on U.S. land, if only for a little while.
We have a little bit of a travel snafu. John is going home on Friday (tomorrow) and my ticket is for early next week. We had hoped Tara would be flying home with me. Now, I'm trying to get a flight home this weekend. Most are booked. The good news: Austin--you will be going home on Friday after school, finally!
I will visit Tara on Friday to tell her the news. She won't understand, but in a quick 30 days, she will be going home, too.
Posted by Laura at March 3, 2005 11:16 AMPosted to
Hi Laura:
Remember those days when there was some breaking news event and you'd walk into the newsroom to announce it? ``Peterson is guilty.'' ``Bush is speaking.'' Or whatever..
Always the slightest bit of drama in your voice as you broke the news to us and it was always a bit jarring and sort of exciting to have the silence broken by the big news of the moment...
Well, it was the same thing as Barb walked in just now and said ``The judge approved the adoption.''
We're all thrilled for you and the whole family.. I know waiting a whole 30 days and having to make and pay for a second trip is certainly not the way you would have wanted or planned to do it, but maybe it's all part of the big plan...
When you flew out there in January, you knew you were going to look for your daughter but you didn't know any of the details, not even her name, not when you'd find her, not when you'd come home. No one did, which is why we've all been jumping onto this blog regularly to get ``the latest news'' every day.
Now it's all set into law. The uncertainy is gone. And certainty is the glue that makes love as full as possible... Your whole family has an extra month to prepare and adjust for an arrival that will happen on a date certain... So now, instead of all the mystery and uncertainty, you just know. Like knowing how many days it is until Christmas and having all that time to prepare.
We're looking forward to seeing you soon... Have a safe trip...
Joe
--
Posted by: Joe Serwach at March 3, 2005 12:00 PMLaura & John,
I'm so thrilled for you guys, that you are now Tara's legal parents, but I'm disappointed about the 30 days. I don't understand these people. What possible good could it do Tara Vika? I know she loves her friends at the orphanage, and probably some caregivers, but how is it going to be any easier for her in 30 days to leave them, wehn she's only 2 anyway? Well, I know everyone is thinking the same thing. I don't have to rant & rave. You guys are handling it all so well. (You Wisniewski Women are amazing. You, with Tara...and Karen & you handling everything for Aunt Stella last year. Also Karen taking care of not only Stella day in/day out, but Uncle Al...)s.
Laura & John--you did it. Congratulations! Comments from Joe and Sally are right on. What's a little more time to wait in the whole scheme of things? I remember bringing Alex home from the hospital eight years ago and balling my eyes out because she had to go back in the hospital for jaundice. You get one hug and smell of them and you never want to let go. She is a very lucky little girl that she has many people (and two parents and a brother) that are now going to be in her life that will care about her. Go home and nest a little; you're now a family of four!!! We're so happy for all of you!
Posted by: sharon at March 3, 2005 01:06 PMCONGRATULATIONS!!!
what the purpose of the 30 day waiting period serves is a mystery. Maybe you should remind them that you have already been there for 30 days, and they can rule it TIME SERVED.
Hope you have a nice flight home.
Well all I can say, a job well done. We Wisniewski chicks are good at finding homes for those who need them! No fun being on display in front of the judge, though. Why didn't she just rip your heart out so you can watch it beat...Ok that was Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Just come home now, adjust, clean your house (shudder), and get Tara's room looking good. Buy a car seat, some toys, and work it out with your boss. Just don't forget THE SOUVENIRS.
Posted by: Karen Wiz at March 3, 2005 02:11 PMCONGRATULATIONS!!! Your guys are parents of a girl, we are thrilled for you. I can only imagine it is bittersweet with you having to come home first, then go back to get Tara. It will be fast, and you will all be a family soon. What wonderful news, it's all good! Bless you all!
Posted by: Vicki at March 3, 2005 03:52 PMHI LAURA;I AM SO HAPPY TO BE A GRANDMA TO TARA. WHAT A GREAT JOY,AND I AM HAPPY FOR YOU AND JOHN BEING PARENTS TO A LOVABLE CHILD WHO NEEDS ALL THE LOVE YOU HAVE IN YOUR HOME. AUSTIN WILL BE A GREAT BROTHER TO TARA AND IS SO LOVABLE HIMSELF.
THIRTY DAYS MAY SEEM LIKE A LONG LONG TIME BUT YOU WILL BE BUSY SETTING THINGS UP FOR THE LITTLE SISTER. TAKE CARE. AMD WILL SEE YOU SOON.
PS TARA VIKA LESSNAU IS NOW PART OF YOUR FAMILY. HOW WONDERFUL. LOVE YOU ****MOM****
There was brilliant sunshine all over Detroit today. I think it was there to announce the first day in the new life of Tara Vika and her parents. Enjoy the moment.
Posted by: kathy o at March 3, 2005 06:42 PMHey kids, congratulations. So Low-wee...OK if we call her Tar-wee? Lucky young lady...lucky "new" parents. Way to go!
Posted by: Brother Lar at March 3, 2005 07:59 PMCongratulations, Laura, to you and John and Austin. And most of all, to Tara Vika, for becoming part of a terrific family!
Posted by: bernie degroat at March 4, 2005 09:28 AM"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious"
Have a save flight and tell Tara Vika-
"we'll be right back now".
All Best! It's all uphill from here. (Clapping wildly)!!
Posted by: Pamela at March 4, 2005 10:54 AMICEMAN: Where are you? You said we would be hearing from you. Where is stick-woman?
Posted by: Karen Wiz at March 4, 2005 11:16 AM